Charles A. Starke, age 88, of McHenry, IL passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family and friend. He was born on June 30, 1933, to Frank and Mary (Gertz) Starke in Chicago, IL. Charles met and married the love of this life Eleanor Zarnt on July 10, 1954, at Our Lady of Grace Church in Chicago, IL.

Charles has been a resident of McHenry for the past 21 years, he previously resided in Wheeling for 42 years. He was a hard-working, devoted husband and father that provided for his family. He was proud to have been Head Custodian of School District 21 in Wheeling for 17 years, and a truck driver for both Olson Rug Company for 11 years, and Crown Stove Works for 15 years. Charles was also a proud member and officer with the Illinois Education Association-Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Chair of Education Superintendent of Personnel for the State just to name a few. He was also an avid Cubs and Bears Fan. Charles also loved to travel with Eleanor, but what he loved the most was spending time with the family that he adored and with his friends making memories to cherish for a lifetime.

He is survived by his children: Debra (Tom) Pfleeger of Round Lake Beach, IL, Donna (Hal) Holm of Ludington, MI, Jeffrey (Amy) Starke of Liberty, Mo, Mary (Robert) Starke of Trevor, WI; brother Larry (Bonnie) Starke of Deerfield, IL; grandchildren: Jennifer, Dana, Michael, Jeffrey, Eric, David, Robert, Amanda and Kyle; 27 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Charles is preceded in death by his best friend and loving wife of 61 years, Eleanor; son: Robert W. Starke; sisters: Janice DeBosschere and Geraldine Boyes; parents: Frank and Mary Starke.

Visitation will be held at the Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL on Saturday, July 31, 2021, from 12 – 2 pm. Funeral Service will be conducted at 2pm.

Following the service the family would like you to join them at the Brunch Cafe, 414 State Route 31 in McHenry, Il for Food and Fellowship.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Justen Funeral Home and Crematory. For information, please call the funeral home at 815-385-2400 or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Charles on his tribute wall. To sign the Digital Guestbook that will be printed for the family after the service, visit https://jfh.link/starke